Storage Units in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN: Top Things to Know About Storage

The Layout of Indianapolis

Neighborhoods in Indianapolis are spread out. It isn’t a city like New York with high rises and skyscrapers everywhere. Yes, Indianapolis does have skyscrapers downtown, but most of the city ranges from suburban to rural.

Indianapolis has 151 self-storage facilities with 83,050 units. The 465 freeway forms a large loop around the city,

The Layout of Indianapolis

Neighborhoods in Indianapolis are spread out. It isn’t a city like New York with high rises and skyscrapers everywhere. Yes, Indianapolis does have skyscrapers downtown, but most of the city ranges from suburban to rural.

Indianapolis has 151 self-storage facilities with 83,050 units. The 465 freeway forms a large loop around the city, and many facilities are near the freeway along that circle. Indianapolis has about 850,000 residents. The ratio of 1 storage unit to 10 people is not bad, especially considering the low cost of housing that allows many people to have homes large enough to hold everything they own. In short, it’s not too difficult to find a facility close to home.

Indianapolis Weather

Indianapolis has freezing winters. Some years get little snow, some a lot. Summers though are guaranteed to be hot and intensely humid. You probably already know what this means: to protect your possessions, you will need a unit with climate control. Humidity can cause serious damage to most possessions, including electronics, paper records and books, and musical instruments.

There are heavy thunder storms and raging winds between April and July, so opt for an indoor unit rather than a drive-up. Yes, it may be tougher to walk to your indoor unit, but at least you’ll be indoors, out of the weather, and your possessions will be safer.

Finally, ask around and see if you can find a place with indoor parking. It’s not common, but it does exist in Indianapolis. Through much of the year, being outside in Indianapolis varies from uncomfortable to unbearable, so if you find a place that allows you to park indoors before unloading, treasure that facility.

Excellent Security is Critical

Make sure that the self-storage facility you choose has excellent security. Why? Unfortunately, while crime in Indiana is slightly lower than the national average, crime in Indianapolis is three times higher. A facility with a great security system such as gated access, keyed access to buildings, a camera system, alarms, and good lighting is ideal.

Events

Indianapolis frequently has concerts, runs, and many other events happening. In fact, the city has hundreds of festivals every year.

These events may or may not affect a trip to your self-storage unit. Just be aware of when things are happening in your area and if they involve a lot of traffic, and plan your visits to your unit accordingly.

Storage FAQ's

Do you have different policies and prices for students or active military members?

Students and active military members are clients that have unique needs because of the nature of their schedules. Most storage facilities in Indianapolis offer discounts to students, and discounts and different policies for active military members. Please call your local facility or see our students and active military members pages to get detailed and updated information.

How long is the lease and what are its terms?

Storage companies in Indianapolis offer a month-to-month lease. If for some reason you would like to cancel your lease during a particular month, please contact one of the facility managers to assist you.

Do you provide your customers with movers?

No, storage facilities do not provide movers. However, managers and team members would be happy to provide you with a list of reliable and reasonably priced movers in Indianapolis. See our resource guide for movers in Indianapolis.

What options do I have for payments? What forms of payment do you accept?

Most storage facilities accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Always ask about autopay, it's faster and much more convenient.

What if I need more or less space after I move in?

Once you move in and feel that you need to move into a smaller or bigger space, storage facilities are happy to accommodate your move. Before renting a space, it is recommended that you speak to a storage facility representative to help you find the best sized unit for your needs. If things change through the course of your lease, they will help make the transition to your next unit as efficient and simple as possible. We also have a size guide that may answer some preliminary questions you may have.

Do I need insurance for my storage unit?

We recommend that you get insurance for your belongings because the contents of the units are not insured through storage facilities.

What storage space sizes are available?

In Indianapolis, there are 87 storage facilities, with a total of 75 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 5' X 5' to 12' X 30'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.

Do you have advice on how to pack my storage space?

Yes, storage managers can provide you with tips and techniques on how to most efficiently utilize your storage space. Their hope is that you can have easy access to your items and that your storage space is worth every penny of your money.

Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in Indianapolis?

Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Indianapolis due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 37.4 to 41.36, which can dramatically affect things in your storage unit. For storing items such as wine, wooden items, electronics, metals, artwork, etc. storage facilities recommend that you rent a climate-controlled unit. For questions and more details, please contact a local facility.

Will I receive a monthly invoice?

Most storage companies in Indianapolis only provide invoices upon request.

Do you accept deliveries for customers?

Most storage facilities in Indianapolis accept deliveries for their customers so that they don't have to go through the process of moving every time they need something to be placed in their storage units. They will keep your items in the office and will inform you when they arrive so that you can place them in your storage unit at your convenience.

What are the prices of the storage spaces? Are prices based on the square footage of the storage space?

Generally the prices of storage units in Indianapolis vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 30.0 and 159.0, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.

How do I know what size storage I need?

Storage managers would be happy to help you determine which size unit is best for you so that you're not paying for a 12' X 30' unit when you really need a 5' X 5' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.

Do you sell boxes and moving supplies?

Yes, most storage facilities sell boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and other items for your packing and moving needs.

Will the company have access to my space?

No, no one in the storage facilities has access to your space unless you specifically ask them or give them the right to do so. For example, you may want them to have access to your unit for things you may want delivered directly to your unit.

If I lose my key, can you provide another one?

No, storage facility employees do not have copies of the keys used for the units. If you lose your key, check with the facility for lock cutting fees. They may also be able to sell another lock and key to you.

What security measures are taken to protect the storage units?

Security is every storage operator's priority. Speak with the storage manager of a facility of your liking in Indianapolis to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.

Do you have pest control?

Most facilities in Indianapolis schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.

Should I rent a drive-up or interior storage unit?

Drive-up storage units are typically more expensive and not as clean as interior units. Drive-up units are more exposed to the elements (water, dust, etc.) and are therefore not as clean as interior units. Interior units, on the other hand, have a much better climate. Essentially, the desire to rent a drive-up unit comes from clients thinking that they will be visiting their unit very frequently, which is surprisingly not the case. Most people don't come to their units as often as they think they will, so given the cost and cleanliness issues, it's better to rent an interior storage unit.

What access will I have to my belongings?

You have 87 facilities to choose from in Indianapolis. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.

Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Indianapolis?

Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Indianapolis are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Indianapolis.

Indianapolis, IN RV and Boat Storage

Though a city of more than 850,000 people, much of Indianapolis is rural with wide roads in the neighborhoods. As such, in some areas, you may be able to park your RV right on the street, something disallowed in most cities. Real estate is much more affordable in Indianapolis as well, so you may have plenty of driveway space.

However, due to other factors, we recommend keeping your RV in a self-storage facility. This article will explain why.

Consider 24 Hour Access

Indianapolis has 151 self-storage facilities, 21 of which have RV and boat storage. Still, make sure to find a facility with the features you need. Having 24-hour access can be hugely important. For example, when you go on vacation in an RV, you may keep some unusual hours. To beat traffic on the I-465, you may want to leave very early. After a long trip, you might return after most places close.
In other words, it would behove you to get into a facility with 24 hour access.

Weather Problems

The first reason to get a self-storage RV unit is the weather. Indianapolis has hot, humid summers. They’re so humid that any time spent outside can be exhausting and just about every building has air conditioning. Winters are cold and dry, with plenty of snow. From April to July, rain and thunderstorms are heavy and winds get intense. It’s the season of tornado warnings, when shingles often get blown off houses and fences knocked down.
In short, all year round Indianapolis gets weather that would be brutal on your RV.

Security in Indianapolis

Here’s the second reason to get a self-storage unit for your RV. While crime in Indiana is slightly lower than the national average, crime in Indianapolis is three times higher. You might feel more comfortable with your RV on your property or in front of your home, but realistically, it would be safer in the right self-storage facility.
Remember that RV self-storage can range from outdoor gated parking to a fully enclosed and locked unit. Due to the aforementioned conditions in Indianapolis, we highly recommend enclosed. Also, be sure to winterize your vehicle during those cold months.

Opting for a Flexible Lease

A long RV vacation means renting a space at an RV vacation park, buying mementos, eating out, and seeing sites. In short, it costs money. The good news is that you may be able to save on your self-storage space with a flexible lease.
This sort of a lease can really save you money. If a facility offers it, you can pay less for your self-storage space while your RV isn’t in it. When you find facilities that you like, ask about flexible leases and what they entail.

Indianapolis, IN Military Storage

Grissom Air Reserve Base is a military installation located about 12 miles north of Indianapolis. Since 1994 it has been a combined civilian airport and military base at the Grissom Aeroplex.

Relocation is a fact of life in the military, and if you’re transferred to Grissom Air Reserve Base, you need to know something about self-storage in the area.

Self-Storage in Indianapolis

The weather in Indiana is not what most would consider friendly. Winters are cold and snowy (though in Indianapolis, roads get salted every morning so driving is not a problem), summers are hot and terribly humid, and April to July sees intense thunderstorms and powerful winds. If you need self-storage, get a unit with climate control, or you risk your possessions getting mold damage or worse.
Indianapolis has 151 self-storage facilities with 83,050 units. Since Indianapolis also has about 850,000 residents, that’s approximately one unit per ten people, which is a good ratio for any city. While Grissom Air Reserve Base members live off base, there are about 1,700 people working there with 590 households and 440 families. That means there will be some competition for storage. However, real estate is quite affordable in the city and many people have homes large enough for all their belongings.

Cost of Units in Indianapolis

Reflecting the overall affordability of property in Indianapolis, self-storage units are generally also cheap. One can find a 5’x5’ from about $27 to about $45 per month, or a 10’x10’ from between $75 and $110. You may want to stay closer to the base, though, and prices in the area are comparable to those in Indianapolis.
However, before making up your mind, there are a few things to consider. Clearly an affordable facility close to home is the best option. Still, you may find something cheaper in Indianapolis. If you know you’ll go there only once every month or two, you might save money by renting farther from home.
If you forget everything else, remember this: ask about military discounts. Most facilities offer a discount for active military members with ID. They may or may not provide incentives for reservists, but it never hurts to ask.

Storing Guns

You should be aware up front that most self-storage facilities do not allow gun storage. Whatever you do, do not store your personal firearms in a facility without being sure that it does allow you to keep your weapons there.
Read the article Storing Your Firearms: Safe Options for Gun Storage on the Storage Front website if you cannot find a self-storage facility willing to let you store your guns. This article has plenty of helpful tips, including alternate safe storage possibilities. It’s important to note that while some facilities do allow gun storage, none allow ammunition.

If You’re Deployed

When you joined the Air Force or the reserves, you understood the possibility of being deployed overseas. Naturally, a deployment could affect your self-storage. However, you’ll be glad to know that the law protects deployed military members well in the self-storage arena.
In order to pay self-storage bills, you have several options. You can set up automatic payments. You can also pay monthly, or several months at a time, via the Internet. Many deployed soldiers have a family member stop by self-storage monthly to pay the bill.
The protection kicks in when you are, for some reason, unable to pay, or it has slipped your mind for an extended period. Indiana’s self-storage lien law stipulates when a unit can go to auction. Usually, when a tenant doesn’t pay for a unit for a few months, and the company does its due diligence and sends warning notices, the facility can sell the unit at auction.
The military recognizes how difficult a deployment can be, which is the reason for the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This act makes sure that military personnel renting storage get fair treatment and makes it much more difficult for a facility to put your unit up for auction.

Indianapolis, IN University Storage

There are many excellent universities in Indianapolis. The city is quite spread out, and many residential areas are downright rural. However, city streets are rarely more than a mile away, providing for a unique university experience whether you live on or off campus. The weather is mostly predictable but not what most would call ideal. Hot, humid summers and freezing winters mean air conditioning and dehumidifiers are a necessity everywhere for half of the year, and heaters and humidifiers for the other half.

This article covers your self-storage needs during your college years in the Hoosier capital.

The Need for Self-Storage

If you’re going to university right out of high school, this is probably the first time you’ve lived for an extended time away from your parents. It’s time to really start learning about the adult world! That usually includes getting your own household possessions, like kitchenware, art, and more. Even moving out to college, you may want to take more than will fit in your dorm room or in your new apartment.
Now, that might not describe you, at least not initially. You may be a minimalist, and if so, that’s great. Even if you don’t need self-storage right away, keep what you learn here in mind for later.

Your Own Storage Locker

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, also known simply as Purdue, is the largest in Indianapolis with about 30,300 students. University of Indianapolis has about 5,000, Butler University about 4,500, and ITT-Technical Institute Indianapolis about 4,600. Add in the smaller universities, and Indianapolis has a student population of about 51,000, a good chunk of the 850,000 city residents.
Indianapolis has 151 self-storage facilities with 83,050 units, essentially, a good ratio of units to residents. Getting your own self-storage space should not be difficult. Housing is affordable in Indianapolis, and so are self-storage unit rentals. Look for5’x5’ units from about $27 to about $45 per month, or 10’x10’ units from between $75 and $110.
How do you know if you will need self-storage? Once you have been accepted to Purdue or another Indianapolis institution, make a list of everything you plan to bring. From that, make two lists: one of those things you plan to take to your dorm room or new apartment, and another of things you will put in self-storage. This can help you see if you will need storage at all, and if so, can help you decide what size would be best.

That Shifty Weather

As mentioned, Indianapolis weather goes to extremes, from summers so hot and muggy you’ll be doing your best to get from one air conditioned building to another and sweating like crazy in between, to winters so cold and icy that you’ll have to watch every step to your car or to the next class room.
While just about every building has good climate control, imagine leaving your possessions out in the weather at any time of the year for a few days. If you get a unit without climate control, that’s more or less what you’ll be doing. Make sure that any unit you have is climate controlled, or you can expect your items to get moldy, or worse.

Storage When Studying Abroad

Despite the crazy weather, Indianapolis is a fun city with museums like the Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (worth visiting even for adults!), ?and sites like Monument Circle and the Indianapolis Zoo. Still, if you get the opportunity to study abroad, you may want to take it!
While overseas, you will need to make arrangements for your self-storage and for your living situation. If you’re living in a house or an apartment with roommates, or if you’re able to hold onto your dorm room, you can’t be sure who might look through your things.
Because of this, you may want to move everything you own into self-storage for the duration. If you already have a unit and need a larger one, contact the facility. Often, you can simply move from one to the other, then move back to a smaller unit after you return from your trip. These days, most facilities now let you manage your payments online from anywhere in the world, so paying your bills while abroad is easy.
You might also want to sublet your room to save money, if your landlord allows it. Make sure that the subletting tenant will give you the place back when you return home!